As the 2025 New Jersey high school girls volleyball season picks up steam, NJ.com will be highlighting the state’s top players.
Our next list focuses on the premier outside hitters, opposites in Group 1.
We contacted volleyball coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their top players. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.
If you are a New Jersey high school volleyball coach who did not receive the survey, email bsherman@advancelocal.com. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the season.
BEST OUTSIDE HITTERS, OPPOSITES IN NJSIAA GROUP 1
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Emma Jane Banu, New Milford, So.
Only a sophomore, Emma Jane Banu had a breakout season as an outside hitter with 155 kills, 248 digs, 152 service points and 60 aces in her first 65 sets. She helped lead New Milford to the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 State Tournament quarterfinals.
Maddy Baumgart, Waldwick, Sr.
In her second year as Waldwick’s opposite hitter, the left-handed Maddy Baumgart has developed into a defensive specialist with impressive blocking ability. “She has been having some stand out defensive blocks and digs,” Waldwick coach Heather Wall said. Baumgart’s versatility was on display last season when she also served as the backup setter, but this year she’s focusing on her natural position where her southpaw swing creates matchup problems for opponents. Baumgart finished the season with 183 digs, 51 kills, 39 blocks and 25 aces in 64 sets.
Peyton Bradley (5) of Jefferson is among the state’s leaders in kills.Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media
Peyton Bradley, Jefferson, Jr.
After racking up 161 kills as a sophomore, Peyton Bradley has taken her game to another level in 2025. Her raw power and developing technique make her one of the most promising young hitters in Group 1, with her ceiling still rising as she refines her approach. Through Nov. 6 she was among the state’s leaders in kills with 315, while adding 209 digs and 40 aces.
Adriana Cabrera, Passaic Charter, Fr.
One of the best freshmen in Group 1, Adriana Cabrera helped lead Passaic Charter to the playoffs by racking up 132 kills, 122 digs and 55 aces in her first 46 sets of the 2025 season.
Jakiya Carter of McNair shoots against Olivia Jasiczek (21) and Sarah Veloz of Secaucus in Saturday’s Hudson County high school girls volleyball final in Jersey City. The Patriots reigned, 25-8, 25-16. 10/25/2025Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance
Jakiya Carter, McNair, Sr.
One of the most productive outside hitters in Group 1 the past two season, Jakiya Carter finished her career with 723 kills, 566 digs and 139 aces. She helped lead McNair to a 22-6 record in 2025 by racking up 281 kills, 220 digs, 37 aces and 18 blocks.
Sophia Christoffers, Madison, Sr.
A second team All-Group 1 selection as a junior, Sophia Christoffers is having another huge season for Madison. Through Nov. 6 she was among the state’s leaders in kills with 352 while leading the Dodgers to the No. 1 seed in the Central Jersey, Group 1 State Tournament.
Brielle Diaz, North Arlington, So.
After getting a taste of varsity action as a freshman, Brielle Diaz has quickly established herself as a six-rotation player. “Brielle is someone that we can trust all the way around the court,” North Arlington coach Genevieve Dwyer said. “She is transforming into a leader on the court and uses her voice and confidence to help lead each set.” Diaz finished her sophomore season with 79 kills, 144 digs and 26 aces in 57 sets.
Emma Fowler (13) of Bogota celebrates after scoring a point during the girls volleyball match between Bogota and Secaucus at Bogota High School in Bogota, NJ on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media
Emma Fowler, Bogota, Sr.
A first team All-Group 1 selection last season, Emma Fowler recently surpassed 1,000 career kills and has a chance to finish her senior season with the most kills in the state. In her first 58 sets (through Nov. 6), Fowler recorded 366 kills, 114 digs and 26 aces.
Sofia Guzman (16) of Secaucus is fired up after a point during the girls volleyball match between Bogota and Secaucus at Bogota High School in Bogota, NJ on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media
Sofia Guzman, Secaucus, Sr.
A six-rotation varsity starter since her freshman year, Sofia Guzman has developed into one of the state’s best players. “She has developed into an all-around threat on the court, being one of our strongest defenders and hitters,” Secaucus coach Dylan Caruso said. “She has been setting the tone for our program for the past four seasons.” Guzman earned first team All-Group 1 and third team All-State honors as a junior, finishing with 243 kills, 160 digs, and 31 aces. In her first 56 sets of the 2025 season (through Nov. 6) she tallied 211 kills, 213 digs and 26 aces.
Charlotte Haynes, Shore, Sr.
One of the top seniors in Group 1, Charlotte Haynes has had a breakout season as an outside hitter. In her first 55 sets (through Nov. 6) Haynes recorded 261 kills, 149 digs, 40 aces and 14 blocks to help lead Shore to the South Jersey, Group 1 State Tournament semifinals. In a 3-0 quarterfinal win over Florence, Haynes racked up 17 kills, five digs, three aces and one assist.
Rieslyn Hong, Cresskill, Jr.
A key contributor for the Cougars, Rieslyn Hong worked alongside fellow junior Riley Zitomer to provide offensive firepower this season. She made a huge leap in production in 2025, finishing with 177 kills, 36 aces and 20 digs in 65 sets.
Jailynn Jenkins, Bard, Sr.
A versatile outside hitter, Jailynn Jenkins helped lead Bard to an 11-1 record in the SEC National Division with her all-around play. She finished her senior season with 118 kills, 38 blocks, 32 aces and 21 digs.
Ellie Liu, New Providence, Sr.
A versatile outside hitter, Ellie Liu recently surpassed 450 career kills and 150 career aces. In the first 62 sets of her senior season (through Nov. 6) she recorded 220 kills, 114 digs, 172 service points and 76 aces.
Brynn Mack (1) of Verona spikes the ball against Livingston during the girls volleyball Essex County Tournament Final at Livingston High School in Livingston, NJ on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.Tom Horak | For NJ Advance Media
Brynn Mack, Verona, So.
One of the top class of 2028 prospects in the state, Brynn Mack has surpassed 700 career kills, 400 career digs and 100 career aces — in less than two seasons. A first team All-Group 1 selection as a freshman, Mack has led Verona to a 24-3 record in 2025 (through Nov. 6) and the No. 2 seed in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 State Tournament.
Elizabeth McGrath, Waldwick, Jr.
After playing middle blocker last season, Elizabeth McGrath has found her home as an outside hitter. “Lizzie really shines as a pin,” Waldwick coach Heather Wall said. “It is also great for the team to have her blocking the opposite hitters as she gets a lot of touches.” McGuire’s positional switch has allowed her natural talents to flourish while strengthening Waldwick’s block against opposing attackers. In 61 sets this season, McGrath recorded 148 kills, 44 digs and 31 aces.
Layla Moses, Westwood, Sr.
A player who continues to improve daily, Layla Moses brings a powerful spike and tactical awareness to Westwood’s attack. “Her spike is strong and she also will keep defenders on their toes as she can change up her offense,” Westwood coach Kayla Mazurek said. “She has come in clutch plenty of times with getting big time blocks.” In her first 66 sets (through Nov. 6) Moses recorded 87 kills, 62 digs, 37 aces and 9 blocks.
Victoriaria Norvak, Mountain Lakes, Sr.
A versatile outside hitter, Victoriaria Norvak had a stellar senior season for Mountain Lakes. In 61 sets she tallied 133 kills, 229 digs, 133 service points, 33 aces and 14 blocks.
Ashley Ortega, Newark Tech, Fr.
One of the best freshmen in the state, Ashley Ortega is enjoying a banner 2025 season. In her first 40 sets (through Nov. 4) she tallied 181 kills, 204 digs, 162 service points and 80 aces. She’s among the top 15 in the state in aces.
Maria Papathanasopoulos, Westwood, Sr.
A team captain and well-rounded player, Maria Papathanasopoulos’ leadership qualities and technical skills make her an invaluable asset to Westwood’s program. “Maria is an athlete every coach hopes to have on their team,” Westwood coach Kayla Mazurek said. “She is an overall well-rounded player but is coachable as she takes the critiques from the coaches and applies it to her game.” In her first 66 sets of the season (through Nov. 6) Papathanasopoulos tallied 192 kills, 158 digs and 27 aces.
Alex Pazian, Westwood, Jr.
A true six-rotation player, Alex Pazian led Westwood in kills (156) and aces (37) as a sophomore. “Her hit is so strong but she can also change it up to keep the defense on their toes,” Westwood coach Kayla Mazurek said. Pazian has elevated her game in 2025, racking up 188 kills, 172 digs and 52 aces in the first 66 sets of her junior season (through Nov. 6).
Teresa Sapienza, Glen Rock, Sr.
A senior outside hitter, Teresa Sapienza helped lead Glen Rock to 16 wins with her outstanding all-around play. In 59 sets, Sapienza tallied 176 kills, 126 digs and 47 aces.
Hailey Spierenburg, Ramsey, Jr.
After recording 115 kills as as sophomore, Hailey Spierenburg has elevated her game as an outside hitter in 2025. In her first 24 games (through Nov. 6) Spierenburg tallied 225 kills, 81 digs and 39 aces to help lead Ramsey to the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 State Tournament semifinals.
Angela Staples (20) of Keyport keeps the ball in play.Duncan Williams | For NJ Advance Media
Angela Staples, Keyport, Sr.
Keyport’s single-season dig record holder, Angela Staples racked up 337 digs over the past two seasons. After working hard on her game in the offseason, Staples finished her senior year with 108 kills, 159 digs and 54 aces in 53 sets.
Melis Ture, Pascack Hills, Jr.
A junior opposite, Melis Ture‘s stellar all-around play is a big reason why Pascack Hills earned the No. 3 seed in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 State Tournament. In her first 57 sets of the season (through Nov. 6), Ture recorded 165 digs, 77 kills and 44 aces.
Mackenzie Vellis (10) of Rutherford spikes the ball during the girls volleyball match between Rutherford and Cresskill at Rutherford High School in Rutherford, NJ on Thursday, October 16, 2025.Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media
Mackenzie Vellis, Rutherford, Sr.
A first team All-Bergen County and second team All-Group 1 selection last season, Mackenzie Vellis has taken her game to another level in 2025. A four-year varsity starter, Vellis leads the state in kills with 394 through Nov. 6. She recently surpassed 1,000 career kills and 150 career aces, and is closing in on 700 career digs. Her all-around play (208 digs, 185 service points) is a big reason why Rutherford won 23 games and advanced to the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 State Tournament semifinals.
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